Indian-origin man J Y Pillay reappointed as top advisor to Singapore President

Veteran Indian-origin civil servant Joseph Yubaraj Manuel Pillay was reappointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA) by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

He was sworn in as top advisor to Singapore’s President for a period of next four years.

As Chairman of the CPA, he will exercise the functions of the President’s office in the absence of President. If he is unavailable, the Speaker of Parliament would act as the head of state.

Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA): This council was formed in 1992. It advises Singapore’s President in various areas, including safeguarding the past reserves of the Government and key appointments in the public services.

About J Y Pillay

He has served in a number of senior civil service positions in Singapore. He was first appointed to the CPA on January 2, 2001 and served its Chairman since September 2, 2005.

He is one of the pioneers who helped build the Singapore economy after its separation from Malaysia in 1965. He also had served as Chairman of Singapore Airlines from 1972 until 1976.

In 2012, for his public service, Pillay was awarded the Order of Nila Utama (First Class) award- one of Singapore’s most prestigious National Day Awards.